Christmas Tree Decorations

The use of a Christmas tree indoors appears to have begun in Germany. In some areas evergreen trees were scarce so the families would build a Christmas pyramid, simple wooden structures which they decorated with branches and candles. The English Royalty help popularize the tree in England by decorating the first Christmas tree with candles, candies, fruits, and gingerbread.

Early Christmas trees were often decorated with apples, nuts, cookies, colored popcorn and candles. The invention of electricity in the early 20th century and use of electrical Christmas lights helped spread the use of the Christmas tree. Today, decorating the Christmas tree is an enjoyable activity which everyone likes to get involved in. The finished tree adds a certain warmth to any building.

Ornamentation
For families in North America, Germany and other parts of Europe, the Xmas Tree is the symbol of the Christmas season. They played a symbolic part because they stayed green and alive when other plants appeared dead and bare. They represented everlasting life and hope for the return of spring. The use of evergreens was and is most widespread in England and Germany. At least 500 years ago the religious meaning began to be associated with these plants.

Lights
Clear or multicolored lights can be selected to decorate the trees. Many people choose clear or white miniature lights because they complement any colors used for ornaments or other decorations. But multicolored strands give a traditional and festive look. There are also strands of a single color, such as red or blue. Strands of a single color go well with certain theme trees.

Theme Trees
A theme tree anchors the Christmas holiday decorating scheme and is gaining popularity every year. Many people find that theme trees allow further personalization of holiday decorating since they can be decorated with special collections or items of interest. A theme can be anything, like a color, a decorating style, a shape. Some of the interesting themes include:
Angels and Cherubs: All colors, crocheted lace and other textures
Bears: Tiny teddy bears all over
Color Theme: Red, gold, blue, winter white, pink or any combination.
Country: Handmade ornaments and craft pieces.
Fisherman: Tiny tackle boxes, nets and lures with fish ornaments.
Gardener: Tiny flowers and vegetables and small garden implements.
Handmade: Do a tree with all handmade ornaments.
Victorian: Hearts in pink, cream and gold and lots of lace.

Hanging Ornaments
When it comes to ornaments, anything goes. Ornaments can be more than a ball with a hook. Cards, ribbons, bells and dolls are all great decorations for the tree. To give the tree more dimension, ornaments are hanged everywhere, deep into the branches, at the top and bottom of the tree.